At 08:46 AM 3/3/01 -0500, John Benz Fentner, Jr. wrote: >Hey Rael: > >Once upon a time you (at least I think it wuz you) posted a >red beans & rice recipe that used pickled ginger. You >wouldn't happen to have that handy wouldja? I can't find the >copy I saved. found it...edited it (language/procedures...it's my nature)... Upon thinking (a chore in itself, mind you) i added the pickled ginger because <1> i had it in the fridge <2> i thought it would add a wang to the recipe. did. does. dig? groovy... Raeleyeam -------64------- * Exported from MasterCook II * Red Beans Recipe By : Rael64; based on a recipe by Paul Prudhomme Serving Size : Categories : Sausage Beans Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1/2 pound dried red beans -- picked through 4 cups water 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt (may sub. Tamari/etc. to taste) 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne 1 teaspoon garlic -- fresh, minced 1 teaspoon thyme -- dried 1/2 teaspoon oregano -- dried 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon ground chiles, your preference pinch nutmeg (like, 1/8 teaspoon) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (less, if desired - can use butter and/or) 1 1/2 cups onion -- chopped small 1/2 cup bell pepper, grn/red/yellow/etc. -- chopped small 1/2 cup celery -- chopped small 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds * -- quarter rounds 1 tablespoon garlic -- minced 1 tablespoon pickled ginger -- minced 3 cups chicken/veg stock -- water won't get it 1 each chile (I prefer serrano) -- halved * O' course, andouille is the best sausage, but alas, it ain't a common thing unless you're 'round about Louisiana. So, use smoked sausage if you must. Small = 1/4 inch max. Prep Beans: unless you enjoy soaking beans overnight, do this: place the 4 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add beans when boiling. Let beans boil uncovered for 2 minutes. Cover pot and let beans soak in water OFF HEAT for 1 hour whilst you prepare everything else for this recipe. METHOD Combine all dry seasonings as well as the 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Set aside. Turn on the overhead fan above your oven. And as always, exercise CAUTION when dealing with high heat. Heat a 4-5 quart stock pot on high heat until very hot, almost smoking. Carefully add the oil to the pot and allow oil to heat thoroughly and just begin to smoke, about 1-2 minutes. Add half of the onions, bell peppers, and celery, and all of the smoked sausage. Cook and stir constantly for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables and sausage to sear and sweat. Smells good, neh? Add the garlic, pickled ginger, the halved chile(s), and lastly the seasoning mix. Stir well, continuing to cook over high heat for about 1 minute. I do not recommend sticking your nose/face into the steam. Add the beans; stir well. Continue to cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan as you stir. Do *not* burn. Add the stock all at once and stir once more, insuring you scrape the bottom of the pan, getting all the good stuff that has begun to accumulate there. Bring to a boil. When a boil is reached, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender to your liking. Serve over rice, couscous, French bread, pasta (fettucini is nice), or eat out of the pan. Makes damn good burritos, and goes well with a fried egg or two. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NOTES : Obviously, one can add as many chiles as desired to this: habs, Thai, mix, clean out the cupboards, etc. This version "as is" is quite mild.